Business growth success tip: Applaud the Plod

A business growth success story is made up of 3 parts: the beginning, the middle and the end. Which part does most entrepreneurs struggle with?

Think about a significant or lengthy project in the past that you successfully accomplished. It might be execution of a new strategy, successful penetration into a new market. If you’ve just started your business, perhaps recall something in your personal life, like completing a marathon, or successfully surviving a long-haul flight with multiple kids under the age of 5.

What characterizes the beginning of a journey? Usually excitement, a sense of anticipation, an eagerness to roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty. Entrepreneurs usually don’t have problems starting something!

Could it be the end of a journey that is the most difficult? Surprising, this part is often characterized by a surge of energy as one sees the finish line. Seeing your vision coming to fruition, and knowing that completion is within grasp bring renewed focus. Just check out the finish line at a marathon. There is much focus, renewed strength, applause from the crowd, and celebration. This part is great fun.

So what is the most challenging? The middle. The part where you are beginning to feel tired. The crowd is thin here. No one is applauding you for “keeping going”. The excitement of launch has worn off, and you don’t know how long it will take before you see the finish line. You start to reminisce about days before you started this journey. Is it your imagination, or does there not seem to be many water stations to recharge? You entertain thoughts of quitting, and thoughts of starting something different. How can you bail without it reflecting poorly on you? You start to blame your circumstance. The competitors. The economy. Anything.

The middle of your business growth journey is vulnerable. How do you improve your chances of success? Here are some business growth tips:

Anticipate It

In any projects worthwhile pursuing, there will be days where the work is daunting. Prepare your mindset to expect the ups and downs. Strengthen your vision. Anticipate days were you will just be “plodding on”, and know ahead of time how you will anchor yourself to the goal and vision.

Prepare

What would you need most to go through this journey?

Build Your Tribe: Plant some cheerleaders, fans, and encouragers along the way.

Seek Wisdom: Find a mentor or a business coach, someone who has the expertise or has run the course before to light your path and offer guidance.

Build Your Capacity: What skills and resources do you need to carry you through?

Persistance

In the middle of the journey, don’t give your emotions too much authority. Like the middle of a workout, you’re bound to feel tired, stretched, and emotionally spent. Treat your business growth like interval-training. Design a series where sprints are followed by rest. Celebrate the small milestones. Applaud the plod. It won’t be long before you see the finish line, but until then, keep on keeping on.

What is “the middle” of your business growth journey right now? Would love to hear your thoughts!